The office supply company Staples took home the award for Energy Efficiency Program of the Year for Commercial-End User. The company was honored for implementing smart grid technologies, heating and air-conditioning optimization techniques, automated demand-response technologies and green IT initiatives. In addition, Staples created an educational campaign to encourage stakeholders to be energy-conscious.

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Canada’s Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was awarded the Energy Efficient Program of the Year for an Energy Supplier. OPA started a public-education initiative in 2004. According to the Platts award organizers, the program has been key to reducing peak demand, avoiding the need for building additional power plants. The power company was also cited as steering Ontario toward a coal-free future for the long-term.

The Green Energy Generator of the Year award was given to E.On Climate & Renewables. The power and gas company was singled out for its offshore wind power development. More than 96 percent of the world’s operational offshore wind installations are located in European waters, and E.ON has delivered 46 percent of that capacity.

Kristy Hessman is a writer and native Oregonian who currently resides in California. Before starting her own company, she worked as a reporter covering business and politics for daily newspapers and The Associated Press.